March 31, 2016

Charlottetown, PE – The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce is optimistic about the province’s recent update on the learner-focused approach to education. In their update, the Department of Education, Early Learning, and Culture announced that reorganization would not impact the number of front line positions, however it would result in the removal of administrative duplication.

“Our membership has identified poor student achievement in K-12 education as a major issue for the province. The Chamber has been a strong advocate of the provincial government taking leadership in ensuring our education system has a plan to improve the academic performance of Island students,” said Wendy Drake, Chamber President. “We are hopeful that this streamlined approach will result in clear accountability for results, and support an enhanced culture of learning on Prince Edward Island.”

In previous submission to the Province, the Chamber had asked that the skills gap in communication, numeracy and critical thinking be addressed. The Chamber is optimistic that this new strategy that includes a focus on student excellence will contribute to bridging that gap.

“The students we are educating today are the entrepreneurs and skilled professional workforce of tomorrow,” said Drake. “It is not an overstatement to directly link quality of K-12 education in our province with our ability to attract new business, new immigrants, new capital, and ultimately impact the economic viability of our province,” she concluded.

The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the “Voice of Business” on economic issues for its 975 members, representing more than 17,500 employees in small, medium and large enterprises in the capital region. For further information on the Chamber, visit the website atwww.charlottetownchamber.com or call 902-628-2000.